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Self-guided walking holidays in an unspoilt Europe

“Real” Europe. What does it mean? Self-guided walking holidays are the best way to discover the still-vibrant rural soul which infuses so many lesser-known areas of Europe, and to discover the beauty that arises from the harmony of man, history, culture and landscape. Our mission is to give you the freedom of discovery.

We know that you have different walking needs and abilities and we have walks from 4 to 14 nights and of different grades to suit everybody. We can even give you a tester day with our local contact to get you used to the concept of self-guiding. And of course we carry your heavy luggage, so all you need to carry is a light day-pack.

Travellers' Blog

A recent request for recommendations for good coffee shops on our routes set us thinking about the best spots to re-caffeinate.
And where better to start than Italy, in the Eternal City of Rome. After four days of walking in the Sabine Hills, the bustling city could be a bit of a culture shock, but “when in Rome, do as the Romans do” – drink coffee!
The locals will gulp down a quick espresso at the counter, but the creators of Faro ...

Magical

We walked over 40 Miles...beside lakes and rivers, in the rain and in the sun, up and down mountains, through silver birch and chestnut forests, acros...

We walked over 40 Miles...beside lakes and rivers, in the rain and in the sun, up and down mountains, through silver birch and chestnut forests, across meadows, beside ancient stone ruins, along old cobblestone pathways, over bridges, alongside cattle and sheep, through tiny villages and medieval towns, alongside vineyards and tomato gardens ...we walked and chatted with old men picking Porcini mushrooms, and a cattle herder, and waved to locals who have rarely seen a tourist come through their tiny hamlet before... we walked to the top of the sacred Monte Mesma and captured the breathtaking view and talked to a monk who was more than happy to say hello, we hiked past dozens of tiny rural chapels- where Ben sometimes lit candles and prayed for my health. We saw Italy in a way that you could only do by simply walking and being right in the midst of the nature, the culture, and the people...the entire experience was in a word...MAGICAL!

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

Outstanding support from On Foot Holidays! This is our second adventure with On Foot and we love the experience!

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On Foot Holidays - Devon

By JustRetiring on 23 September 2017

Walking on Dartmoor with Uncle Tom Cobley and all

This was a brilliantly designed and varied 7 day walk in south Devon, across the eastern fringes of Dartmoor, through quaint South Hams villages and e...

This was a brilliantly designed and varied 7 day walk in south Devon, across the eastern fringes of Dartmoor, through quaint South Hams villages and ending up by the sea in history-laden Dartmouth.
Too many highlights to mention here, but if you can do this walk in September, make sure you spend the second Tuesday of that month in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, at the age-old Widecombe Fair. Tom Cobley still rides his old grey mare there....

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

It is impossible to fault On Foot Holidays. The whole holiday experience with them was a delight. Great customer service, detailed and accurate daily walking notes, excellent B&B choices, superbly varied route and always available if needed.

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On Foot Holidays - Bohemia

By Pilgrim on 22 September 2017

Walking in Bohemia

Walking in an unspoilt landscape among dramatic rock pillars and between mediaeval castles took us into another world.

Walking in an unspoilt landscape among dramatic rock pillars and between mediaeval castles took us into another world.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

Thoughtful and efficient, the best combination of helping with planning and leaving us independent too.

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On Foot Holidays - Tuscany

By Nick on 20 September 2017

Tuscany walking

Self guided walking holiday using maps and directions from On Foot Holidays. They planned the route, booked the hotels, arranged baggage transfer betw...

Self guided walking holiday using maps and directions from On Foot Holidays. They planned the route, booked the hotels, arranged baggage transfer between hotels, provided transport information to and from the airport.
The routes and hotels were great and very individual.
The holiday felt like an adventure instead of a package holiday.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

Go Walking were very efficient replying to email very quickly (even over a bank holiday weekend). All the staff new the holiday details well (and have probably done the walks themselves.
The local rep was very helpful and it was good to know that there was local assistance available if we needed it.

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On Foot Holidays - Slovenia

By Laika on 18 September 2017

On foot holidays in slovenia

We had a wonderful time, we can't stop talking about it, one of the best holidays we have ever had,, we would class ourselves as dog walkers not hiker...

We had a wonderful time, we can't stop talking about it, one of the best holidays we have ever had,, we would class ourselves as dog walkers not hikers, so this was perfect for us, but just pushed us out our comfort zone. The route was like stepping back in time, vineyards,churches on gently rolling hills, and no hedges , just open wooded landscapes with no tourists.
Our party of four expanded to six after meeting an Australian couple who had got lost,they weren't with on foot holidays! We generally arrived at 3,00 at our accommodation,and after a reviving glass or two of wine, rested before dinner, served early in the evening. Dinner was a highlight with good food good wine and good company, these were days to remember for rest of your life.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

Excellent in every possible way, they aren't tour operators, they are personal holiday organisers, nothing is too much trouble. The first morning we couldn't walk because of torrential rain, so were taken to some caves where we spent thee wonderous hours, ,the driver waited until we had finished and then took us back to the start of our walk, all part of the service.

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On Foot Holidays - Slovenia

By Ms J C 17 on 18 September 2017

Really enjoyable realxing walk

Very enjoyable well organised walk. not too strenuous and not too easy, staying in excellent local accommodation. route faultlessly described. our sec...

Very enjoyable well organised walk. not too strenuous and not too easy, staying in excellent local accommodation. route faultlessly described. our second walk with On Foot - totally recommend

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

please see above

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On Foot Holidays - Dolomites

By Joey on 12 September 2017

Excellet holiday in a truly wonderful location.

A very well planned and organised walking holiday in the Dolomites which allowed us to experience a variety of different scenery. The accommodation w...

A very well planned and organised walking holiday in the Dolomites which allowed us to experience a variety of different scenery. The accommodation was excellent and varied from good hotels to a refuge in the mountains. The walking notes and other information provided was, as always, to a very high standard and ensured we got the most of our time there.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

The staff at on foot are so helpful throughout the whole process of planning, booking and arranging the holiday. The staff know the walks and locations and are able to advise on various aspects such as difficulty of walking, the best time of year to visit an area. The information provided is always of a very high quality and it is very reassuring to have a local contact whilst on holiday.

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On Foot Holidays - The Rhine

By Tony on 27 August 2017

Great walk

We did the castles on the Rhine walk using Onfoot Holidays. We had a wonderful time, it is an amazing walk with beautiful views. The accommodatio...

We did the castles on the Rhine walk using Onfoot Holidays. We had a wonderful time, it is an amazing walk with beautiful views. The accommodations were excellent and the arrangements and instructions were excellent

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

This is the second time we have used OnFoot and would definitely recommend them. We are already planning our next walking holiday

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On Foot Holidays - The Rhine

By Weston-belle on 20 August 2017

Great walking holiday

We took our 2nd holiday with On Foot and I thought it couldn't be better than the first but it was. We did the Castles of the Rheine and everything a...

We took our 2nd holiday with On Foot and I thought it couldn't be better than the first but it was. We did the Castles of the Rheine and everything about it exceeded our expectations. The walk was lovely, varied and accurately described. The accommodation was really good and where we had an evening meal it was great. Breakfasts were plentiful and tasty and the villages we went through were interesting and beautiful. Our luggage was moved without fuss every day and we highly recommend this holiday.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

On Foot are up there as tour operators go. They are responsive, friendly, helpful and accommodating. I would recommend them to friends and fully expect to book through them again.

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On Foot Holidays - Umbria

By Kelly on 17 August 2017

Beautiful Umbria!

This excursion was a final celebration of a two- year battle with breast cancer. I decided I couldn't let cancer and the anger I was carrying around d...

This excursion was a final celebration of a two- year battle with breast cancer. I decided I couldn't let cancer and the anger I was carrying around define the rest of my life. I needed to do something momentous at the end of my most negative life experience. My On Foot Holidays Umbria hike was the most incredible, empowering and positive thing I could have done for myself. I turned something so aweful into a very positive and precious experience that I will carry forward from here as I rejoin the real world.
There are no words that can do justice to how the wonderful people at On Foot were in meeting and surpassing my hopes and expectations for those precious 12 days. Every detail of my adventure was meticulously laid out and allowed me the luxury of really being able to enjoy the moment. There truly is no better way to experience a place than on your own two feet. The local hotels, agroturismos and On Foot support staff on the ground in Umbria were all wonderful. There was absolutely nothing negative to report. The Italian people, the mountains, the food......what a place!
I am so so grateful to Debbie and Emma and everyone at On Foot Holidays! I will be one very satisfied return customer! Where to next?

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

I've said it all. The entire On Foot team were so amazing. I will definitely be planning my next hike with them. Maybe Spain?

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On Foot Holidays - Greece/Vikos

By Dick from Scotland on 16 August 2017

Well planned and well organised self-guided walking holiday package

Our holiday was a 10 day self-guided walking holiday in two remote areas of Greece.
The holiday was designed by the tour operator On Foot who arranged...

Our holiday was a 10 day self-guided walking holiday in two remote areas of Greece.
The holiday was designed by the tour operator On Foot who arranged travel (both public transport and transfers) and accommodation in Greece and provided the detailed walking guides.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

It was self-guided walking holiday in a remote part of Greece.
On Foot designed the trip and organised accommodation to suit our preferred dates.
The holiday was just as good as expected and On Foot provided a good level of personalised service around the booking arrangements. They also ensured support was available by phone when in Greece, which we used for a minor change when in Greece and it all went faultlessly.
The route/ daily walks were very well chosen by On Foot and the likewise the accommodation.
This was our second holiday with On Foot and we have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

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On Foot Holidays - Dolomites

By Lizzie on 10 August 2017

Fantastic walking holiday in the Dolomites

On Foot Holidays supplied us with detailed route plans and maps for our six day walk. The routes took us through dramatically beautiful scenery, shady...

On Foot Holidays supplied us with detailed route plans and maps for our six day walk. The routes took us through dramatically beautiful scenery, shady forests and flowering meadows. the hotels were a good standard, and our bags were transported between hotels.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

We were really impressed by the care and accuracy which On Foot had put into planning our holiday.

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On Foot - Camino de Santiago

By Kez on 20 July 2017

Camino Primitivo

I decided on a walking holiday being too old to lie on the beach, having seen too many cathedrals and I enjoy a good walk to stay fit. Camino primiti...

I decided on a walking holiday being too old to lie on the beach, having seen too many cathedrals and I enjoy a good walk to stay fit. Camino primitivo with On Foot Holidays appealed to me, as from previous internet searching the scenery looked wonderful and although some of the days seemed a bit challenging there was always the option of jumping on a local bus to decrease the distance. I was up for a challenge and a bit of adventure and I was not disappointed. I meandered through fern forests, marvelled at huge dams, climbed through a misty scenic mountain range and ordered an embarrassing amount of Spanish wines and tapas. My inadequate Spanish was always met with good humour and I enjoyed true Spanish hospitality most evenings. A holiday is not complete without good shopping of course and I was delighted to find Spain has the most amazing range of shoes! I thought it wise to support the Spanish economy and buy as many as I could fit in my bag. Shoes don't weigh much!

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

I completed the Camino Primitivo through the support of On Foot Holidays. Salisbury. I received a prompt reply to my initial email enquiry. My questions were always answered by the same small team and I am pleased to say I was never asked, 'who I was' or 'what is your client number'. On Foot Holidays provided excellent detailed walking notes, maps, gps support, English speaking contact in Spain, accommodation, daily transfer of my pack, taxi pick up if required and information on language, currency, embassy support and travel tips. A number of hotel owners along the way let me know that if you were going to do a walking holiday with a tour company, On Foot Holidays was the one to choose. I am aware On Foot Holidays has completed the walk themselves which of course allows them the insight to provide the best advise to me, the client. On Foot Holidays contacted me on the completion of my holiday and I received a personal email reply from the owner. With the guidance and support of On Foot Holidays I enjoyed one of the most satisfying holidays I have had.

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On Foot Holidays - Bohemia

By coco on 17 July 2017

great views

our holiday was wonderful. the walks were easy but the views were varied and really beautiful. this is our third hike with on foot holidays. the team ...

our holiday was wonderful. the walks were easy but the views were varied and really beautiful. this is our third hike with on foot holidays. the team is very helpful. you get exactly what is described, no unpleasant surprises. i recommend this organization.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

helpful, accurate, accommodating .

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On Foot Holidays - Greece/Vikos

By Decent Dom on 17 July 2017

The best walking I have ever done in a stunning landscape

There is the option of starting this holiday in Corfu, but I preferred to focus on the Vikos Gorge and started in Ioannina. I also booked an extra nig...

There is the option of starting this holiday in Corfu, but I preferred to focus on the Vikos Gorge and started in Ioannina. I also booked an extra night in Papigo at the end which was well worthwhile. The amount of walking and altitude gain increases each day so the holiday feels well planned - the walking is quite strenuous, especially in the heat. Wildflowers in early June are simply amazing. All the accommodation on this trip was good, and the region hosts some of the best food I've had in Greece. Highly recommended.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

On Foot are always friendly and helpful, and showed genuine interest in my needs and wishes.

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On Foot Holidays - Tuscany

By Ms E G 17 on 11 July 2017

Self-guided walking in beautiful Tuscany

Spent 5 days walking in Tuscany inn to inn - self-guided walk. Most days too hot to do all the walking we'd planned, and route was very exposed, but w...

Spent 5 days walking in Tuscany inn to inn - self-guided walk. Most days too hot to do all the walking we'd planned, and route was very exposed, but we made the best of it with thermal baths and lots of gelato. :-)

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

On Foot was prompt and thorough both before and during the trip - couldn't be better - first-rate!!

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On Foot Holidays - Amalfi Coast

By Julie J on 3 July 2017

Self guided walk on Amalfi Coast Italy

Thank you On Foot for a wonderful holiday.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Amalfi coast walking holiday.
While the walks looked daunting in the beautiful mo...

Thank you On Foot for a wonderful holiday.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Amalfi coast walking holiday.
While the walks looked daunting in the beautiful mountainous area we 60 year olds managed the steps and climbs with relative ease.The distances around 10-15 km were about right given the terrain
The maps and detailed daily walk notes were excellent and easy to follow.
We were so impressed with the standard of the accomodation offered which gave us a wonderful rest and
Experience after a hard days walking.A rest day to experience Positano which we added in was a great idea.
We were disappointed with Sorrento after the other towns.We would not recommend an extra day here at the end.
We will certainly use On Foot again.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

On Foot were very professional in all our dealings with them even across the distance from Australia to Uk.
Everything went Like clock work with an excellent package of maps and notes arriving before we left home.

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On Foot Holidays - Liguria

By Margaret on 1 July 2017

Exhilarating walking in remote and beautiful countryside in North Italy

We had 6 days of unguided walking following maps and instructions provided by On Foot Holidays. The scenery was beautiful with copious wild flowers, ...

We had 6 days of unguided walking following maps and instructions provided by On Foot Holidays. The scenery was beautiful with copious wild flowers, butterfly's and herbs and the terrain varied through villages along ridge tops and finally to the sea. We saw deer and a wild boar and very few people along the way. We had chosen a more difficult category of walking but the distances and conditions were as described on the website and the route was easy to follow and a lovely mix of up and down hill, track and pathways. On Foot Holidays had booked the accommodation and arranged for our bags to be transported each day to the next stop. The accommodation was varied and characterful and comfortable and we had an amazing variety of local foods and delicious meals. We were also provided with a pack lunch each day to take on our walk.
We enjoyed everything about this holiday and would highly recommend it.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

This is our third trip with On Foot Holidays and we have really enjoyed each one of them. The tour operator is easy to work with, friendly, communicative and it feels like a very personal service. The holidays have been as advertised and the routes have been well thought out.

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On Foot Holidays - Slovenia

By Hap on 30 June 2017

Very well organised, with attention to our wishes and prefrences

We walked from Slovenia to near Trieste through beautiful villages and incredible views, while enjoying local food and wine.

We walked from Slovenia to near Trieste through beautiful villages and incredible views, while enjoying local food and wine.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

The holiday was extremely well planned and carried out. The people on the ground were very helpful and interesting. We knew that all we had to do was walk and enjoy ourselves, because every single detail was taken care of.

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On Foot Holidays - Bohemia

By Cathy on 29 June 2017

Paradise in Bohemian Paradise

We had an excellent adventure as we walked through the lush forests, magical rock formations, and historical castles of the Bohemian Paradise, courtes...

We had an excellent adventure as we walked through the lush forests, magical rock formations, and historical castles of the Bohemian Paradise, courtesy of On Foot Holidays. Our weather was perfect, routes were well marked, background notes very informative, accommodations were spacious and clean. We have no complaints, and were very impressed with the responsiveness of On Foot before, during and after our journey.

Rating for On Foot Holidays:

Petr actually met us at the airport, and was a welcome sight as we arrived after flying overnight, with little sleep. He brought us by private car to the first town on the route, which was a pleasure as we oriented ourselves to the Czech Republic. He was very knowledgeable about the area, and pointed out landmarks and history as we travelled to Turnov. We were perhaps not the best tourists, as we were close to nodding off, but felt very safe in Petr's hands as we began this new adventure.